System and method for an input-driven, switching-enabled, display device for an automation controller

A system, comprising:

• a display device communicatively coupled to an automation controller that is separate from the display device via a serial interface on each of the display device and the automation controller, wherein the display device comprises:
• a port located on a front panel of the display device;
• and
• an interface switch, wherein the interface switch is configured to detect input and enable the display device to perform display functionality or to perform adapter functionality, based upon whether a connection at the port is detected and whether communication traffic from the port is detected, wherein the display device is installed in a door of an enclosure housing the automation controller such that a display screen of the display device and the second communication interface port are exposed to the exterior of the enclosure when the door is closed, and the first communication interface port is exposed to an interior of the enclosure when the door is closed.

A method, comprising:

• receiving input at an interface switch within a display device, wherein the interface switch is electrically coupled to a serial interface port and a programming port and the display device is connected to an automation controller that is separate from the display device;
• detecting, via the interface switch, a connection and communication traffic from the programming port based on the input;
• performing, via the display device, adapter functionality if both the connection and the communication traffic are detected at the interface switch;
• and
• performing, via the display device, display functionality if neither the connection nor the communication traffic are detected at the interface switch, or if only one of the connection or the communication traffic is detected at the interface switch, wherein the display device is installed in a door of an enclosure housing the automation controller such that a display screen of the display device and the second communication interface port are exposed to the exterior of the enclosure when the door is closed, and the first communication interface port is exposed to an interior of the enclosure when the door is closed.